Easy Carnitas Breakfast with Eggs: A Flavorful Start to Your Day

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A hearty plate of carnitas and eggs with garnishes.

Introduction

Carnitas breakfast with eggs is a delightful fusion of tender, savory beef and creamy, fluffy eggs. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Mexican flavors while providing a hearty and satisfying meal to start your day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a weekend treat, this dish is a showstopper.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to making a perfect carnitas breakfast with eggs, covering tips for preparation, variations, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have the ultimate recipe to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients Required

Before you start cooking, gather the freshest ingredients to ensure your Carnitas Breakfast with Eggs turns out delicious. Here’s what you need:

For the Carnitas

  • 2 lbs beef brisket
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 orange (juiced, with the peel reserved)
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Eggs

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional for scrambled eggs)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or cooking oil (for cooking the eggs)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Toppings and Add-Ons

  • Corn or flour tortillas (warmed)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
  • Salsa (pico de gallo, tomatillo, or your favorite variety)
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Hot sauce (for an extra kick)
  • Pickled jalapeños

Preparing the Carnitas

Carnitas breakfast platter with sides and garnishes.

1: Season and Sear the meay

  1. Season the meat chunks generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the meat pieces on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. This locks in the flavor and creates a delicious crust.

2: Slow-Cook the meat

  1. Transfer the seared meat to a slow cooker (or keep it in the Dutch oven if using the stovetop).
  2. Add the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, bay leaf, and reserved orange peel.
  3. Cover and cook:
    • In a slow cooker: Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
    • On the stovetop: Simmer over low heat for 2–3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid doesn’t evaporate completely.

3: Shred and Crisp the Carnitas

  1. Once the meat is fork-tender, shred it using two forks.
  2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and spread the shredded meat in an even layer.
  3. Allow the meat to crisp up for a few minutes without stirring, then toss to crisp the other sides. Repeat as desired for the perfect texture.

Cooking the Eggs

The eggs are an essential part of this dish, bringing a creamy and savory balance to the rich carnitas. You can choose between several methods for cooking the eggs to suit your preference.

1: Scrambled Eggs

  1. Whisk the Eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and whisk until fully combined. For extra creaminess, add 2 tablespoons of milk or cream.
  2. Heat the Pan: Melt butter or heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cook the Eggs: Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet. Let them sit for a few seconds, then gently stir with a spatula, pushing from the edges toward the center.
  4. Finish Cooking: Continue stirring until the eggs are just set but still soft and creamy. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.

2: Fried Eggs

  1. Preheat the Pan: Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Crack the Eggs: Gently crack the eggs into the pan, taking care not to break the yolks.
  3. Season and Cook: Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny (about 2–3 minutes for sunny-side-up eggs). For over-easy eggs, flip them carefully and cook for another 30 seconds.

3: Poached Eggs

  1. Prepare the Water: Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add a splash of vinegar to help the egg whites coagulate.
  2. Crack the Eggs: Crack an egg into a small bowl.
  3. Poach the Eggs: Create a gentle whirlpool in the water with a spoon, then carefully slide the egg into the center. Cook for 3–4 minutes for a soft yolk, then remove with a slotted spoon.

Pro Tip: Spice It Up

For extra flavor, sprinkle your eggs with paprika, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.

Assembling the Dish

Now that your carnitas and eggs are ready, it’s time to bring everything together for the ultimate breakfast experience.

1: Prepare the Base

  1. Tortilla Option: Warm your corn or flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Place one or two tortillas on each plate as the base.
  2. No-Tortilla Option: If you’re skipping tortillas, prepare a bed of sautéed vegetables or a scoop of rice instead.

2: Layer the Carnitas

  1. Add a generous serving of crispy carnitas on top of the tortilla or base. Spread it out evenly for a good balance in every bite.

3: Add the Eggs

  1. Place your cooked eggs (scrambled, fried, or poached) on top of the carnitas. For extra flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.

4: Top It Off

  1. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as:
    • A handful of shredded cheese.
    • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo.
    • Creamy avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole.
    • Chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

5: Serve

  1. Serve immediately while the eggs are warm and the carnitas are crispy. Pair with a side of beans, roasted potatoes, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
Assembled carnitas breakfast with eggs and garnishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your carnitas breakfast with eggs can be as simple or creative as you like. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and make the dish even more enjoyable.

Classic Mexican Style

  1. Tacos or Burritos: Serve the carnitas and eggs in a warm tortilla, rolling them into tacos or burritos. Add toppings like salsa, cheese, and avocado for extra flavor.
  2. Chilaquiles Base: Layer crispy tortilla chips with salsa verde or rojo, top with carnitas, eggs, and a drizzle of crema for a hearty take on traditional chilaquiles.
  3. Huevos Rancheros Twist: Use the carnitas and eggs to create a twist on huevos rancheros by layering them on tortillas with beans and ranchero sauce.

Brunch Platter

  1. Build a Platter: Arrange the carnitas, eggs, tortillas, and toppings buffet-style for a family-friendly breakfast platter.
  2. Pair with Sides: Add sides like refried beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the main dish.
  3. Mimosa Pairing: For brunch gatherings, serve with mimosas or freshly squeezed orange juice for a refreshing complement.

Keto and Low-Carb Options

  1. Skip the Tortillas: Serve the carnitas and eggs over a bed of leafy greens or sautéed spinach for a low-carb breakfast bowl.
  2. Avocado Boats: Scoop out half of an avocado and fill it with carnitas and a poached egg for a nutrient-packed meal.

Family-Style Sharing

  1. Casserole Style: Layer carnitas, scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa in a casserole dish, then bake until bubbly for a shareable breakfast bake.
  2. Skillet Presentation: Serve everything directly from a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.

Tips and Variations

Cooking Tips

  1. Time-Saving Tip: If you’re short on time, use store-bought carnitas or leftover roasted meat to skip the slow-cooking process.
  2. Crisping the Carnitas: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when crisping the meat; work in batches for the best results.
  3. Egg Perfection: Always cook eggs over medium heat to avoid overcooking or drying them out.

Flavor Variations

  1. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the carnitas or eggs for an extra layer of heat.
  2. Sweet and Savory: Incorporate a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on the carnitas for a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory meat.
  3. Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute the carnitas with jackfruit or crispy tofu seasoned with the same spices for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Global Fusion Ideas

  1. Mediterranean Twist: Replace tortillas with pita bread and serve with tzatziki sauce, roasted tomatoes, and feta cheese.
  2. Asian Inspiration: Swap tortillas for rice and add a drizzle of teriyaki sauce, along with a soft-boiled egg.

Storage and Reheating

  1. Storing Leftovers: Keep carnitas and eggs in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheating: Reheat carnitas in a skillet for crispy results and eggs gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I prepare carnitas in advance?

Yes! Carnitas can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat them in a skillet to restore their crispy texture before serving.

What is the best way to reheat eggs?

The best way to reheat eggs is to use low heat. Scrambled eggs can be reheated gently in a non-stick skillet or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring often. Fried and poached eggs are best cooked fresh, as reheating can affect their texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, include diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the carnitas seasoning. You can also top the dish with spicy salsa or your favorite hot sauce.

Are there alternative meats for carnitas?

If beef isn’t your preference, you can use chicken thighs, or even turkey. The seasoning and cooking method can remain the same, though cooking times may vary.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the beef carnitas with jackfruit, seasoned mushrooms, or crispy tofu. Use the same seasoning blend to capture the carnitas flavor profile.

What should I serve alongside carnitas breakfast?

Popular sides include refried beans, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. These sides complement the rich flavors of the carnitas and eggs.

Conclusion

Carnitas breakfast with eggs is a versatile, hearty, and delicious way to elevate your mornings. Combining tender, crispy beef with perfectly cooked eggs, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. Whether you enjoy it in tacos, as part of a brunch platter, or with a creative twist, the possibilities are endless.

With this recipe, you have everything you need to craft a memorable meal that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself to a carnitas breakfast with eggs that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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